Published by swaroop

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10 replies on “Hard Questions”

The species homo sapiens may become extinct in future to give way to more highly-evolved-beings (perhaps, one that has more control over their minds). The word ‘purpose’ denotes an end in itself, while biological evolution has no ‘end’ but only ‘means’.

I really don’t have any concerns about the ‘future’. Here, I am sitting in office, slacking off, reading some elisp code, chatting with #emacs fellas, etc.. :)

A zen master once said, “Life is like going into the sea knowing that the ship is going to sink in the middle!”

If we consider ourselves as a â€˜meansâ€™ of evolution, then isnâ€™t our â€˜endâ€™/purpose to contribute towards that evolution?

I cannot clearly conceive a beginning or an end for evolution. It is happening “irrespective” of whatever we do. If that is the case, I fail to see the applicability of word “towards” in your question.

Even when considering a vehement phrase like ‘survival of the fittest’, I fail to see how the survived species become “holy” over the extinct ones.

Swaroop, I definitely see these as very superficial questions, which means, they do not solve the fundamental problem. The human condition is worse. Suffering being our primal problem, I incline toward Siddhartha’s way of living (and that I am finding darn difficult to follow!).

Does it mean that humans should just â€œtake life as it goesâ€? and not bother about anything? Wonâ€™t life be more difficult that way?

No.

Can you please detail on Siddharthaâ€™s way of living?

That’s difficult, but I try …

After diligent meditation, he attained enlightenment. He said, life is suffering. And suffering is due to craving — getting attached to our own habitual patterns of living. Any pattern creates friction with reality which is changing all the time. By breaking those patterns or letting go of craving, suffering can be ended. A well-defined path to reach this state is the noble eightfold path.

This doesn’t mean that we should “take life as it goes” or not bother about anything. It means we should let go of our patterns (good and bad, etc.. and all such dualities) and be creative than reactive.

Leading such a life is very difficult. Trying to live life the creative way in spite of long-accumulated habitual reactions is like swimming against the strong ocean currents.

The noble eightfold path is very superficial in explaining the way. I recommend reading thesetwo articles instead.